Gallbladder surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy, is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States. While most patients recover without issue, others face serious and unexpected complications, sometimes with life-altering consequences. If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering:
- Was this just an unfortunate outcome?
- Could it have been prevented?
- Could this be medical malpractice?
At the law firm of Brockstedt Mandalas & Federico, we understand how difficult it can be to process what happened and make sense of being harmed by a trusted healthcare provider. If you or a loved one suffered gallbladder surgery complications, we are here to guide you through your legal options and determine whether negligence played a role in your injury.
When Routine Surgeries Turn Dangerous
Each year, over 300,000 gallbladder surgeries are performed in the U.S., the majority through laparoscopic techniques. These procedures are generally safe, but no surgery is without risk. When medical professionals fail to adhere to accepted standards of care, gall bladder surgery complications can become catastrophic.
Some of the most common and dangerous complications include:
- Bile duct injuries,
- Internal bleeding,
- Infection,
- Injury to nearby organs such as the liver or intestines,
- Sepsis,
- Postoperative hernias or adhesions, and
- Retained gallstones.
When negligence or error cause these complications, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting.
Was It Just a Risk or Medical Malpractice?
It’s important to understand that surgical complications alone don’t automatically amount to malpractice. In Maryland, medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted “standard of care” and that deviation directly causes injury.
Some examples of actions or omissions that may point to malpractice in gallbladder surgeries can include:
- Severing or misidentifying the common bile duct,
- Failing to recognize or treat a postoperative infection,
- Delaying surgery in patients with acute cholecystitis,
- Administering the wrong anesthesia,
- Inadequate preoperative imaging or evaluation, and
- Poor post-surgical monitoring.
When one or more of these events occur and lead to patient harm, it may form the basis for a valid medical malpractice claim.
How Brockstedt Mandalas & Federico Can Help
We know that pursuing a legal claim while recovering from a traumatic medical event can be overwhelming. That’s why our firm steps in to handle the legal heavy lifting, while you focus on healing.
Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process. Specifically, we will:
- Evaluate your medical records to determine if a breach of the standard of care occurred;
- Consult with surgical experts to assess negligence;
- Calculate gallbladder malpractice settlements based on your unique damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs; and
- Ensure compliance with Maryland’s statute of limitations, which generally gives patients five years from the date of injury, or three years from the discovery date of the injury.
With Brockstedt Mandalas & Federico, you have a team committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Gallbladder Surgery Complications: Could You Be Entitled to Compensation?
If you experienced serious or unexpected complications from gallbladder surgery, such as bile duct damage, hospitalization for sepsis, or ongoing pain and digestive issues, you may be entitled to compensation. In many malpractice cases, the key lies in proving that the harm you suffered was preventable and that the surgeon or care team failed to act as a reasonably competent provider would have under similar circumstances.
Potential compensation in gallbladder malpractice cases may include a variety of economic and noneconomic damages, such as:
- Past and future medical treatment,
- Corrective surgeries,
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation,
- Lost income or reduced earning potential,
- Loss of enjoyment of life, and
- Pain and suffering.
An experienced legal team can assess the scope of your losses and pursue the full value of your claim.
Real Lives, Real Impact: Gallbladder Surgery Gone Wrong
While every case is unique, real-life examples demonstrate the life-changing impact of surgical errors. In one notable Maryland case, a patient underwent a routine laparoscopic cholecystectomy only to suffer a transected bile duct, resulting in months of hospitalization and multiple repair procedures. The court found that the surgeon failed to recognize the injury during the operation, a critical deviation from accepted surgical practices.
Stories like this highlight how complications from a gallbladder surgery can dramatically alter someone’s life and how legal action can provide a path to accountability and closure.
What Makes Gallbladder Malpractice Settlements Successful?
Successful malpractice settlements often hinge on strong evidence and expert analysis. That’s why it’s critical to work with an experienced legal team that understands the nuances of medical malpractice law in Maryland.
The following factors often contribute to a successful outcome:
- Detailed and complete medical records,
- Opinions from qualified medical experts,
- Evidence of long-term physical or financial consequences, and
- A clear causal link between negligence and harm.
We leave no stone unturned when preparing your case. Our team collaborates with top experts and presents your story with precision and clarity, whether in settlement negotiations or before a jury.
You’re Not Alone—Let Us Help
If you believe you or a loved one was harmed by gallbladder surgery complications, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. These cases are medically and legally complex, but with the right team on your side, you can pursue justice and begin the path toward recovery.
At Brockstedt Mandalas & Federico, we bring a trial-tested, results-driven mindset to every medical malpractice case we handle. From thorough case reviews to compassionate client care, we are committed to helping victims of medical negligence get the accountability they deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us assess your case, explain your options, and provide the skilled legal counsel you need during this difficult time.
Phil Federico is a partner at Brockstedt Mandalas Federico where he helps lead the Mass Tort / Class Action and Environmental Law practices, transitioning into these areas after beginning his career as a medical malpractice litigator.
Phil has led and been involved in historic and groundbreaking litigation with verdicts and settlements exceeding one billion dollars.
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